Thiruvananthapuram. Continuous torrential rains have severely affected normal life in Kerala. Due to this, incidents of floods and landslides have been reported in many parts of the state. Five people have died in landslides at different places in Idukki and Kottayam districts, while many others are feared trapped under the debris. The administration has intensified relief and rescue operations. The Idukki and Kottayam district administrations have confirmed the death of five people.
The heavy rains on Saturday were felt most severely in the central and northern districts of the state. Following overnight downpours, landslides occurred at several locations in the hilly areas of Idukki, Kottayam, and Pathanamthitta. Many houses were damaged or buried under debris, while rising river levels caused flooding in low-lying areas. Many roads were submerged, disrupting traffic.
A landslide in the Adurmala area of Kudayathoor, near Thodupuzha in Idukki district, buried a house under debris. A woman, Sumathi, and her son died in the accident, while two others trapped inside were rescued safely. Meanwhile, 72-year-old Prabhakaran Nair was killed when mud and rocks fell on a house in the Kolahalamedu area of Vagamon.
Incessant rains also triggered landslides at several locations in Kottayam district. Two members of a family died when debris fell on a house in the Poonjar area. Authorities have intensified relief and rescue operations following incidents of waterlogging and landslides in other parts of the district.
Pathanamthitta district was among the worst affected, with many low-lying areas submerged. Rapidly rising water levels in Rani town led to flood-like conditions, while landslides were also reported in the hilly areas of the district.
Due to continuous rainfall, roads in many parts of the state have been submerged, while fallen trees and debris have blocked numerous routes. Teams from the Fire and Rescue Service, police, revenue department, and local administration are engaged in relief and rescue operations in the affected areas. Affected families are being evacuated to safer locations.
Given the severity of the situation, schools and other educational institutions have been closed in several districts as a precautionary measure. The State Disaster Management Authority has increased monitoring of rivers, reservoirs, and landslide-prone areas.
The Meteorological Department has predicted heavy rainfall in many parts of the state in the coming days. In view of this, the administration has appealed to residents living in low-lying and vulnerable hilly areas to remain vigilant, avoid unnecessary travel, and follow safety and evacuation instructions issued by local authorities.